Lucy, Let me tell you about "Mayberry Carma"... Mrs. G-F's Kindle took a crash too yesterday, so maybe one should not criticize one's need to keep in touch with Mayberry Friends, she is having "Kindle with-drawl" symptoms! So we not only have to get a new computer but now another Kindle. Do any of you guys have had experiences with Kindles not coming on?..PH?

Maybe "Count Von Isteleskey" doesn't like computers? Ya Think???

Asa, Sorry to hear about sprinkler troubles, maybe I should change my retirement advice to you....Maybe a "worm farm" or even a freshwater shrimp pond, "they" say there's good $$$ in it, and you get a row boat and become a "Shrimp Boat Captain" you can even paint your wife's name on it, just like Forrest Gump did!

Romeena,...Like the song says:" I fought the RATS, and the RATS won"..Laaaawwww Maybe it's time to do as Gomer does, and put a bucket on your head and do some more thinking like a Rat!...lol

10-4..Over & Out...Bye...G-FApril 22, 2015 - Msg 101216:Woohoo, I got Mrs. G~F's Kindle to work, there is a reset prompt, hold power button and volume up until the backlight goes out. Then it resets itself. Who's the MAN now!!..I am so proud of myself..Better points with Mrs. G-F than a clean toilet for sure!

G-Fantastic

April 23, 2015 - Msg 101217:GOOD sweep Ro. My, that rat has really got you befuddled! May the best "man" win! ha
I agree with you regarding american kids. When I was teaching English, the "ough" was not a crowd pleaser!
Prayers for Mrs Asa and Mrs GF continue.
Glad the kindle is working again.
Later,
MDCApril 23, 2015 - Msg 101218:
You are da man GF. Not only can you light the pilot, you can start the Kindle also. What a guy!

AsaApril 23, 2015 - Msg 101219:
Good morning, porch. Yeah, the rat battle continues. I was at ESL class yesterday when Eddie came to mow, and he left without payment, so he came by last evening to get his money. He reset the trap for me. I tied a frito packed with peanut butter to the trigger plate with a breadwrapper twist-tie. I haven't visited the garage yet this morning to see if he got caught, but I sure do hope so. I'vehadjustaboutenoughofthatdrattedrat!

Very cloudy, a bit windy, and looks like we might finally get that storm they've been predicting for three days. We need the rain. Actually, we've had some pretty good rain lately, but we've been so dry for so long, that it's going to take a lot more before we can say the drought has broken. One of the local lakes has risen by almost twelve feet, though, so that's a good start.

MDC, I think we don't realize how difficult it is for immigrants to learn English. It's a crazy language, absolutely insane. Nothing makes sense, and for every "rule" there are about sixty exceptions! There's no explanation for those exceptions, either. My students constantly ask me why something is spelled a certain way, or pronounced one way this time and another way the next time. I get very tired of having to say, "Because it is, that's why. No explanation." For example, think of "height" and "weight." Nothing different but the first letter, yet the "eigh" combination is pronounced as a long "i" in one, and a long "a" in the other. Ridiculous. Then there's "taught" and "laugh." The "augh" combination is completely different. Again, riduculous. It's especially hard for people coming from Spanish. In Spanish, each letter or combination of letters, has one sound and one only. It never changes. The vowels never change. Our vowels, on the other hand, run all over the place, like baby chicks. It's a wonder that anyone ever masters it as a second language. It's amazing enough that we actually learn it as children. It's easier then, though, when we have no pre-established habits that we would have to learn to ignore, like people who are learning it as a second language. I told my class yesterday how much I respect them for trying, and admire them for what they have accomplished.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch. Got some decent leftovers, I think I'll just clean them up. I like leftovers! Tonight, I guess it will be soup and cheese toast. Not too shabby. By the way, that Progresso brand Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice soup is downright delish! Of course, I added a generous dollop of sour cream and a dash of Tabasco to it. Didn't hurt it a bit.

Blessings, folks! --RomeenaApril 23, 2015 - Msg 101220:
I just got back from taking Toye Starr to her vet. She was due for a Lepto vaccination. She got her rabies and something else about a month ago, but he never gives her all her shots at once, because she's so little. Oh, she weighed 4.62 lbs today. So tiny, but she's all there, and it all works, believe me.

While we were there, he checked her teeth, and as I feared, they need to be cleaned. I hate doing that, because he has to sedate her for it, but it has to be done. I knew she had a lot of tartar buildup, and that could be a very bad thing. If her gums get infected, it could become systemic in a hurry, and as little as she is, it could just overwhelm her. Fortnately, my vet charges very lightly for this procedure. Some of them over in North Dallas charge unbelievable fees for a simple dental cleaning. I heard of one that was over $400. Good grief, I don't pay even half that for my own cleaning, let alone for my dog. I can't imagine anyone paying that, but I guess some of those Dallas people can afford it, so they pay it.

Still no rain, though they sky has looked like it was just going to open up at any moment, all day. Oh, and no rat so far. I checked the trap when I left a while ago. Untouched. That is one smart critter.

April 24, 2015 - Msg 101223:
Good morning, everybody! MDC and PH, thank you for these links. I've explored them, and I agree that they would be helpful for my students. I've compiled them into a little handout for the class. Some of the folks bring a tablet or other device with them, and most of them have access to a computer at home. One goes to the library to use the computers there. Actually, I copied and printed the one you suggested, MDC. It ends up as three pages, and I made enough for the class. They can take it home and read it. There's some good information there. PH, those YouTube offerings will be very helpful, I'm sure.

I've really got a mixed class, so not everything will fit everyone. I've got one student who has a bachelor's degree in sociology, and was a social worker in Mexico. She and her husband have moved to Texas permanently. Her husband has taken citizenship, and she's working on it. She wants to be a social worker here, to help immigrant families to assimilate. I can't argue with that. She's got to sharpen up her English, though, before she can be employed effectively. She's very bright, and has a kind heart. She's the kind of immigrant we need to encourage, and that can be done by making the procedure for legal entry less expensive, less complicated, and faster. Naturally, a background check should be part of that. With such a system in place, we will be encouraging desirable people, and leaving the INS free to pursue the drug traffickers, gang members and subversives and get them out of here, because they will continue to sneak in, no matter how agreeable the legal immigration process becomes.

If I may remain on my soapbox for a moment, I'd just like to add that I'm sick of hearing how the immigrants are taking the jobs from Americans. There may be a grain of truth in that, but there are definitely two sides to that coin. My friend Jorge came here illegally because he didn't have the money or the time to pursue the legal route. It's expensive, and takes a long time. He works very hard, does a very good job of anything he tackles, and is the best argument in favor of amnesty that I can think of. Yes, I have reservations, strong ones, regarding Dear Leader's plan for wholesale amnesty, but I'd still like to see Jorge become legal. As for taking jobs from Americans, just hear this. I know a young man, age 22, son of an acquaintance, who is constantly whining that nobody will hire him and he needs money. He's out of work. Well, he's right. Nobody will give him a "position", and he doesn't want a "job." He's a nice kid, but he's got it all wrong. Anyway, I offered to pay him $15 an hour if he'd come over and clear all the weeds out of my flowerbeds. His response? "Thanks, but that's not the kind of job I'm looking for." Hmmm. No gas in his car, no money in his wallet, and he's choosy about the job? I figured three hours of pulling weeds would have given him a full tank of gas. So, Jorge came, and in just two hours he eliminated every weed (he works very fast) took his money, thanked me, and left, smiling from ear to ear, grateful. So, it seems to me, we need the Jorges who want to come here. OK, enough of that.

We're finally getting the promised rain. A slow, steady drizzle, the best kind. It will soak in, and won't just run off into the drains. Just what we need. The green out back almost hurts your eyes. Bright green, in a hundred different shades, and bright splashes of color everywhere from all the flowers. So pretty.

Well, guess I'd better go rustle up some lunch. I love a day like this. Don't have anything I have to do, no place I have to go, just be lazy. Toye Starr likes days like this, too. She's a bit mopey today, I think her little back leg is sore from her shot yesterday. She flinched a little when I touched it. Poor little girl.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena April 24, 2015 - Msg 101224:
RAIN! Wonderful rain! We finally got some this morning after about 5 months of nothing but a little spit on the ground. It was so refreshing and it really washed the dust out of the air, etc!
More to come later (rain and info!) MDCApril 25, 2015 - Msg 101225:
Our skies finally opened up too, MDC. It has been threatening all week, and this evening, it came. I don't know how much we got, but after that drizzle I mentioned earlier, it finally turned loose and just poured. It's quiet right now, but boy, did it ever rain earlier! I'll bet the lakes come up a lot more now. --RomeenaApril 25, 2015 - Msg 101226:
Wow, must be the wests turn for some moisture. We got some decent rain last night. Another bigger storm due in this afternoon. Getting snow above 8,000 ft. Much needed and appreciated for sure.

Romeena, I agree with your two sided coin observation. Until we do away with the welfare mentality in this Country, we are doomed. To many just are not motivated to work. Typically they have their needs met, and much more by the State (Us). That has simply got to end. If someone is unable to work because of real disabilities, I do think we as a society have a responsibility to look after them. I have no problem with that. But you and I both know that the system is being used and abused by many. Case in point. Our company was using a temp. service employee who was our shop janitor. He worked for us for about a year, and did a pretty decent job. But he decided that he was getting tired of the work and was going to see about getting disability from S.S. I asked him what was wrong. He said he had a bad back. In the year he spent working with us, he never once indicated he had any back problems. In fact he was very healthy and active. Never a day when he would come in walking crooked or nothing. But sure enough, in just a few months time he was approved for S.S. I have seen him out running and walking and doing all sorts of things. Contrast that with a woman who works in our I.T. dept. She was born with no arms, but refuses to let that hinder her. She writes and types with her feet. Simply amazing to see her. Yes, the company has had to add some things to accomadate her special needs, but it has been money well spent. She is a perfect employee, always willing to go the extra mile and do whatever she can. The work ethic in our Nation is pitiful if you ask me. Too many Dave Browne types. And unless we demand changes in our welfare system, it is only going to get worse. Now I just realized no one asked my opinion, but you got it anyway. Sorry ;)

from Poor HoratioApril 25, 2015 - Msg 101228:Asa, your opinion is most welcome, and nicely expressed. I wish I could meet the woman you described. What an inspiration! No arms, and she holds down a job. If ever a person has a shoo-in for getting disabililty, she does, but she chooses to work instead. God bless her! And bless your company for hiring her.

When you really analyze the problem, of course it's obvious that there are people receiving checks that shouldn't, but there are two are so many factors that influence that. First is "generational welfare", where there is a family history of being on welfare that goes back three or four generations. Many of those folks genuinely don't realize that they're doing anything wrong. Hard to believe, but it's true. I stared that mindset in the face the night the 22-yr-old I mentioned earlier delivered her fifth child. In her admission interview, I asked her if she was employed, and she cheerfully informed me that she was the "breadwinner" for her family, but "I don't go to no job, if that's what you mean. I just have babies when we need more money, because I can have them so easy." She was smiling and clear-eyed, and it was obvious that she had no idea that I might find something wrong with that. Actually, she probably felt sorry for me because I was too old to have babies, and therefore had to get a job and actually work. Folks, I'm telling you, in many cases, they really just don't get it. Oh, and she had numerous tattoos and piercings as well. Obviously has enough money for "incidentals."

Yes, there is a job shortage. You can't just cut millions of able-bodied people off from welfare and just tell them to "get a job." The jobs that are being filled by illegals are typically menial jobs, and obviously some of our workforce can't do that. The guys who hang around doing nothing, smoking pot, etc., - yes, let the government restart the CCC and the WPA, fix America's broken places, build some parks, whatever. Join up, work, and get your check. However, we all know some able-bodied folks who are qualified for skilled jobs who are having trouble finding full-time employment. Thanks to recent government programs and requirements, many employers are cutting hours to just below the line that qualifies a worker for benefits. They will hire two or three part-time people to share a job previously filled by one full-time person. Since welfare pays more than the part-time job, guess what people do??? It takes someone with a very strong self-respect to go on and work anyway. Oh, lord. We have so many problems, and we're not going to fix them here.

PH, thanks for the links. Jorge hasn't been here that long, nowhere near it. As for how to report a disability abuser, you don't know how badly I'd like to turn in someone I know, but I won't. She's related by marriage to my late husband's family. Last time I saw her, she mentioned her "disability check", and I wondered about it, but said nothing. She's perfectly able-bodied, goes out dancing, goes on cruises, does anything she wants to do. I didn't ask, because she has a volatile temper and a mean mouth, and I didn't want her to think I was challenging her. I see her about every fifteen years, so no point in getting crossways with her. Still, I'm pretty sure she finagled that disability check somehow. Shoot, she doesn't walk crooked or anything!

Well, enough. Warts and all, we still live in the greatest country in the world. At least for now. Blessings, friends! --RomeenaApril 25, 2015 - Msg 101229:
My Hawks are 2-0 in playoffs !...rain here...headed to work will catch up there who"s cooking ?...SPOT

April 26, 2015 - Msg 101230:
Sorry I haven't been around. I was sick this week with a stomach bug, then went back to work and the air conditioning in the facility I work in was out so I was already dehydrated and had to spend hours sweating at work. I am pretty well tuckered out. The building was built in 64 and it still has the original air conditioner. they have been trying to fix it for over a week so..might not get it fixed and they cant afford a new one. Don't know what is going to happen.

Been doing lots of laundry today and still not finished at 12am. What's new..haha.

Good news is, bruce and sean never got sick with the bug. Sean is studying for his final exams in his automotive classes. He is still loving it and looks like he will pass. He will be taking a class on air conditioning this summer. Erin brought home her report card today and got all As.

Ive been watching some TAGS lately and enjoying even the color episodes.

Better get some sleep for preachin tomorrow.

Boo

April 26, 2015 - Msg 101231:
Boo sure hope you are feeling better...my night is about done...all lights on ..will be headed home for bed...work today and wk tue this coming week and then Mrs Spot and I will be headed to Perry Ga for the Georgia Linemans Rodeo Wed thru Sunday...always fun !..We are last years Champs. Well let me get things ready for the next Tech coming on at 6...will catch a sermon when I get up...Prayers to all....SPOTApril 26, 2015 - Msg 101232:
Good Sabbath all.

Good to see you Boo. Sorry to read you've been ailing. Is it the "pip"? You got something we can loosen? ;) Glad that Sean is doing well in his studies. And he may find A/C work to be something he really enjoys. I know several people who took some A/C classes to be able to enhance their career's (like building maint. workers and auto mechanics) and have found they really enjoyed the A/C stuff. That morphed into career's for them and they have done very well. I have always considered electrical and A/C work to be the most challenging to learn, and yet offer the highest pay-off in terms of employment opportunities. Good technicians in those two fields are almost always in demand.

Well I got most of my yard work done yesterday before the second round of rain came last night. Hopefully that will help my lawn liven up.

Have fun at the rodeo Spot. I know you will do well.

Thanks for the link PH. I just may act on it. This kind of abuse really angers me, especially when I see folks who are truly in need and are barely getting by.

Hope the great rat capture pays off for you Ro. I dislike rodents very much, especially in my house.

Well better think about getting ready for preaching. I have had a gout flare in my foot the last couple of days and finally had to take some medicine for it. The stuff works well, but you better stay close to the "facilities" if you know what I mean. But this morning the foot feels much better and I think the side effects are over. I sure am hap...... uh-oh. Gotts run. :)

Asa

April 26, 2015 - Msg 101233:
Thanks Asa..well im here till 6am in the morning...all lights on..got some leftover Zaxby"s to warm up...will check back in just a bit...SPOTApril 27, 2015 - Msg 101234:Visitors from out of town this weekend. Very full, busy days. Hope all is well.
MDCApril 27, 2015 - Msg 101235:
Good Monday morning all.
Sure was a quiet Sunday on the porch. Everyone must be out enjoying the spring weather I reckon. We got a couple of nice much needed rain storms here over the weekend. Gave my very thirsty lawn a much needed drink.

Spot, a Zaxby's just opened up here not long ago. Are they any good? I guess I need to give them a try.

How are you doing MDC? O.K. I hope friend.

Hey G.F. When you gonna get you mother figure board replaced or a new electronal marvel? We miss your wit and wisdom around here.

Hope you are feeling better this week Boo, and that they can revive your a/c system at work. That is going to be my focus for the next few weeks, a/c units. Gotta have them ready for the season.

Speaking of such I best get moving. Lots to do.

Prayers for all.

AsaApril 27, 2015 - Msg 101236:
Asa, I'm still kickin' I did purchase the "New" computer, Mrs. G-F hasn't hooked it up yet. She likes to be "The Administrator" when it is set up, so I oblige her, but she better hurry up kinda tired of going to the library.

Glad to hear you folks out West are getting some rain, around here it's been cold and rainy so I'll have to continue to be patient...

Well if anyone was wondering what Jay Leno is doing these days, I went to see his show last night in CLEveland. He hasn't missed a beat, good to see that his live show was not trashy, but was like his Tonight Show monologue type of show... The town was hopping since the Cav's won their round of the play-off's yesterday.

Hope everyone is doing OK....

G-F....April 27, 2015 - Msg 101237:
Good morning, porch! More rain storms and a big old lightning show around here last night. The lightning was off to the south a little way, and I had a front-row seat here at my window. Sure was pretty. The distance softened the effect of the thunder, making it just a deep rumble with occasional cannon-like effects, which wasn't pleasing Toye Starr too much, but it was pretty impressive. All this rain has the grass growing so thick and fast, that Eddie's weekly mowings are just barely keeping up with it. He uses a mulching mower, but the growth is so heavy that he may have to start bagging some of it. I hate to do that. I like to keep all clippings and such on the property when I can. Best natural fertilizer there is. I have a compost barrel, but it only holds so much. Sure makes good compost, though.

I was watching "Gilligan's Island" this morning, and on an impulse, I timed one commercial segment. There were 11 commercials, and they lasted for - are you ready - SIX minutes. Six whole minutes of continuous commercials. Ten of them were thirty seconds long, and one was a full minute. In my opinion, that's viewer abuse! No wonder we've all learned to play the DVR game. I very rarely sit and watch a show in real time. Instead, I tune in to whatever I want to watch, then mute it, and go about my business elsewhere. After at least fifteen minutes, I'll return to the TV, back it up to the beginning, and then I have fifteen minutes to play with when the commercials come on. I just fast forward through them, and very, very rarely have to actually watch a commercial. I'll bet that really annoys the advertisers, because you know they know the viewers are doing it. In fact, I'll bet the advertisers do the same thing when they're watching TV at home.

Well, got a few things to do today, and may try to get a little writing done. Ideas are stirring in my brain, better get them down before I forget them. Blessings, friends. --RomeenaApril 27, 2015 - Msg 101238:
Good evening, everyone. We're getting some more rain here, and it's beautiful. It's a very soft, gentle shower, falling straight down, no wind at all. Far to the west, the clouds are much lighter, and as the sun is going down the light that comes through is soft and golden, more like a glow than anything else. So pretty! It's just a beautiful evening. The tops of the trees are tipped with that golden light, and it makes me want to go outside and walk in it, maybe splash in a puddle or two. I won't, because my neighbors would probably call the cookie truck, but it would be a fine evening for such a fun activity. Makes me feel ten years old again.

I have made a happy discovery. A while back, I forgot about a bag of corn gluten meal that was sitting in my garage, and it got all full of those tiny moths. Little bitty suckers, lsss than a half inch long, and they multiply worse than rabbits. Some came in the house, and made their way into crackers and the like in my pantry. I cleaned the pantry out and threw away anything they had gotten into, and we spread the corn gluten meal on the yard, but I still see one of those annoying little things now and then. Also, with summer coming, there will be the occasional mosquito in the house, and I will not go to bed until I kill the little virus farm. Still, I hate spraying those insect sprays in the house, because of Toye Starr. Well, guess what. I saw a spray bottle of regular rubbing alcohol at Kroger one day, and just bought it, wondering if it might work. It does!! I can spray one of those little moths, or a mosquito, or any other flying critter, and it just knocks him right out of the air! One spritz, and they hit the floor. One more for good measure, and they're dead. No smelly pesticide odor, no oily deposit if you spray them on a surface, and the alcohol just evaporates. After I cleaned out my pantry, I sprayed all cracks and crevices with a good spritz of alcohol, it evaporated, and my food doesn't pick up a pesticide odor like it would if I sprayed the shelves. Not only that, it's cheap, cheap, cheap! I went through the original spray bottle, and bought a quart bottle of regular alcohol (very cheap) and refilled the sprayer. I've got two of them now, always handy. I may just win this battle! Now, if I could just catch that miserable rat....

Blessings! --RomeenaApril 28, 2015 - Msg 101239:
This has been the weirdest spring! We've had temps in the 80s off and on, and this morning, it's just 55°. This house is tight, and the inside temp is about 75° right now, but it feels cooler, and will get cooler still unless it warms up outside. I would really hate to switch over to the furnace, but I may have to. Poor little Starr is cold, I can tell. She shivers a little now and then. I'm sure it's cooler where she is, on the floor, and she's demonstrating that by climbing to the back of my chair, to get off the cold floor. Weird weather, weird, weird, weird!

You know, if I wasn't involved in church-related stuff, I guess I'd just sit here in this house and vegetate. Tonight is the Women's Ministry dinner at the church, with a great catered meal and a talk by an inspiring woman, about the role of Christian women in today's world. Tomorrow morning, I'll be teaching my ESL class. Thursday, our JOY group will be meeting at the DART station downtown, to take the train to downtown Dallas, to visit the Reunion Tower and have lunch in the revolving restaurant on top of the tower. Should be fun! Then Friday night, it's bunco at a good friend's house. Honestly, sometimes I wonder when I had time to work! The answer, of course, is that I didn't participate in a lot of those things, like teaching ESL. I had wanted to for a long time, but you don't commit to something like that when there's a good chance you'd be working a 12-hour shift the night before. I'm so grateful for these years of freedom, and the physical ability to participate and enjoy them. God is good.

from Poor HoratioApril 29, 2015 - Msg 101242:
HI ALL. Relatives leaving on Wed. Been a very busy, but FUN-filled several days. Had a wild game of
Mexican train dominoes, and a raucous game of Yatzee with a total of 9 yatzees thrown! Good old
table games beat the electronic stuff anyday IMHO.
My soapbox for a moment... Been seeing some of the Baltimore stuff and it really is scary that there is such a thin veil between civility and chaos.
I have just never understood that type of response, and that includes sports wins as well!

OK, all for now, I'm pooped and headin' to bed.
God bless,
MDC April 29, 2015 - Msg 101243:
Did you see the Mom come and get her Son who was acting out in the Baltimore riots? Now that Mom gets the "Mom of the Year Award"...Yep, now that's a "Old School" Mom for sure! I think as the say kids say today:
"She took him to the House!"...lol

Hope everyone is Ok...Still posting at the library. Mrs. G-F hasn't set up the new computer yet.
I'm going to hear a band concert tonight, my Grandson is playing at his school. (wonder if the school has a gazebo)?...

G-F... April 29, 2015 - Msg 101244:
...and another thing, since I have to go back to "The Big City" of Cleveland I am going to go to this store. It is only 1/2 mile from my Son's house. They have ALL KINDS of Old time Candy and Vintage Soda's Just like the "Good Old Days"...Check it out.... http://www.sweetiescandy.com/index.php They may even have Floyd's favorites: Huckleberry Smash and Nectarine Smash...G-Fizz April 29, 2015 - Msg 101245:
Hi all.
G F-STAY OUT OF THERE THAT CANDY IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU?

April 30, 2015 - Msg 101246:Hi-di- ho there neighbors. Today was a day to clean up and de-compress, but my gosh, what a fun time we
all had, and I needed it!
GF--looks like you could get a real sugar buzz going there! ha
My prayers continue for all, as well as for our world and our country.
Love yous guys,
MDCApril 30, 2015 - Msg 101247:
TOM, I did not get any candy but I did get some neat old soda's. I like trying the old stuff. I got one called "MacFuddy's Pepper Exiler". I think Colonel Harvey may have made it. It says it cures "Timidness and satisfies the daring". It guarantees 24hrs of favorable outcomes. You know me, I could always use me some good outcomes!...lol

G-Favorable...May 01, 2015 - Msg 101248:GF--just dont forget to "loosen something!" ha
BTW, that mom that you mentioned must have heard about
Andy's "good old fashioned" woodshed for her son! Good for her.
Where is everyone?
Well hang in there all.
MDCMay 01, 2015 - Msg 101249:
Good evening, porch. Just got home from playing bunco with the "girls", and what a good time we had. I am so blessed. Three hours of fun, good food, good-natured teasing, lots and lots of laughter, and strengthening pf the bonds between women who have been friends for forty years or more, and forming of new bonds with new additions to the group. It just doesn't get any better than that. The youngest woman there was about forty (the daughter of one of the older ones) and the oldest is eighty-four, but we all had a lot of fun. Maybe it's because we all have a common bond - we're all Christ-followers.

Hooray! I talked to my son in Florida today, and he has a new little canine friend. He flew into Georgia this morning and picked her up and flew her back home with him. He emailed me some pictures of her, taken on the flight back. She was nestled in a pile of blankets on the right seat of his plane, flying "co-pilot." She's adorable. Looks a lot like his little Abbie did when she was a puppy, same color, similar markings, same sweet little face. He named her Phoebe, and it fits her. I can't wait to meet her. He sounds more like himself now, the sadness in his voice has lightened up a bit. He's like his mother, he just has to have a little dog in his life, or he feels incomplete. Actually, all my kids are that way. As he said, the house just doesn't feel right without a dog in it.

While he was "puppyless", he had made some flights for Pilots & Paws, a volunteer service provided by private pilots, transporting dogs from shelters to adopters, sometimes just between shelters, wherever a homeless animal needs to be transported. I don't know whether he'll continue that now that he has a new little pup to be trained and "raised up", but he might. He loves to fly and is always looking for an excuse to do so!

Well, speaking of pups, I've got one that is needing some cuddle time. I've been gone all evening, and she misses her "lap time." Spoiled little thing, but who cares? Not I!

Blessings, friends. --RomeenaMay 02, 2015 - Msg 101250:HAPPY May everyone! Hope you are all OK.
RO--sounds like a good time was had by all.
We played table games when my wife and her sisters got
together last weekend. So much fun!
Well, we broke 100 today with a 101 ! Yikes, I sure hope
we are not in for a long summer.
They are getting harder for me to tolerate.
Well, good weekend to all.
prayers,
MDCMay 02, 2015 - Msg 101251:
Hey MDC, I heard you folks was already flirting with triple digits. I was watching our local weatherman yesterday and he was saying that the west is in a weather pattern right now that is more like August than May, where we are seeing afternoon thunderstorms bubbling up. Very odd for this time of year for sure. But we will take moisture however and whenever we can get it I reckon. Our temps here are not August like. Been just beautiful at right around 70. I love it. Don't need to run the furnace or the a/c. Supposed to be like that all next week too. Very nice, I can get all my a/c work done in decent temps and not feel the anger of hot co-workers at the same time.

Glad your Son got him a new fur kid Romeena. My Daughter called us last night in tears. There puppy got away from her boy who was playing with it out front, and was hit and killed by a car. So very sad. He was only about a year old, but was loved by all. My grandson I know feels terrible, bless his heart. So very sad.

Hey GF, You better get the Mrs to get that computer working for you. People are gonna think you have a library compelshion or something. We don't wanna get rumors started. Or maybe the head Librarian is a hotty, and you are ok with regular visits there. Is that what's going on GF? :) Then we will have to call you G Fan.

Well better get going. Need to cut the lawn before it rains. Got some dark clouds out there that look serious.

Our hostess, Joan, served some wonderful little sandwiches last night. They were baked! She made them on the little Hawaiian rolls, like sliders, and they contained thin-sliced ham and swiss cheese. She put them into a baking dish, packed in together like biscuits, and poured a buttery, spicy mixture over them. Chilled, and then baked, and they were delicious! They reminded me of tiny Reuben sandwiches, and in fact, when I make them, I may include a little kraut in them with the ham and cheese. If anybody wants the full recipe, let me know and I'll email it to you. This gal always serves something new and different, and delicious. Besides that, she's sweet and kind, and funnier than all get-out. One of those people that just makes you feel good to be around her. A walking blessing.

I think I'll call my son in a little while and see how little Phoebe fared last night. Fine, I'm sure. Why wouldn't she? I'm quite certain she slept up on their bed. No lonely box or crate for her! She will be spoiled and indulged, you can take that to the bank. My family always treats our animals like we treat our kids. Spoiled to being loved, but no bad behavior or disrespect is tolerated. Our dogs (and our kids) are all sweet-natured, playful, mostly obedient (I never said they were perfect), always loving and affectionate. Kids and dogs will return what they see modeled, almost always.

Over the years, we have had two dogs in the family that we were unable to keep, due to unpredictable, aggressive behavior, and in both cases, we found them a different home, where there were no small children. One dog was mine, one belonged to my daughter, and in each case, we made sure the new owners were aware of the problems. Neither one had children in their lives, and were looking for watchdogs, so I suppose a little aggression was not a problem.

Well, gotta run. Lots of piddlin' and mousin' to do today! Blessings, friends. --Romeena May 02, 2015 - Msg 101253:
lol Asa, Well tomorrow I am going to my Daughter's she says she has my late B-day present. Yep, the Ol' Goob is going to step into the electronal marvels of life with his new iPad thing. Pray for her as she TRIES to show me how to use it. Now the Granny at the Library can stop hitting on me..lol

MDC, 101? Now that's HOT for the first of May sounds like a hot, hot summer ahead for you guys, it's going to be Sunny and 70's here all weekend. Think I'll get the grill put and make a steak on it tonight, Yep, a steak and baked tater is what it's going to be...

Romeena, Good to hear you girls have such a "FUN" time together...The Texas chapter of "The Fun Girls" for sure! Good on Ya!

Possum, where are you girl? It's time to come out from under your rock and be social, hermitizing time is OVER!!

TOM, I hope you are getting some of this nice weather too...

G-Finally electronalized...

May 02, 2015 - Msg 101254:For those of you on FB, I just posted about 70th annv of VE day, and of a sign posted by my dad's squadron HQ. I think you'll get a kick out of it, as they had the best record of targets hit to stop the dreaded hun!
Have a great saturday!
MDCMay 03, 2015 - Msg 101255:
Everyone at the duck pond? :)May 03, 2015 - Msg 101256:
Not me- I was hanging out with the Mayberry tribute artists in Westminster,SC! Our Floyd couldn't make it due to his son's graduation,but all of the other fun & fabulous artists were there. I got David Browning's newly published book & he was sweet enough to autograph it for me.

Hey, G-F- the Miles' were there and I told them "Hey!" for you!

Oh, and guess what? I came in 4th in the TAGS trivia contest! Those questions were HARD, y'all! I won a poster signed by all of the tribute artists and by Rodney Dillard & Maggie Peterson!

Had such a fun day! Ernest T. Bass as Elvis?? Yep-saw it with my own two eyes! Oh, and even Goldbrick Weaver was there this year! I will try (my computer is ornery) to upload some pics soon over on FB. You can go to the Facebook page for "Mayberry Comes To Westminister" and find some pics from the event.

Anyway.. that's what I was up to over the weekend. Everybody else must have gone to the duck pond! LOL

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possum under a rockMay 03, 2015 - Msg 101257:
Just skimmmed over the recent posts (I've gotta catch up!) and wanted to tell Asa that I'm sorry over the loss of the puppy. Bless your grandson's heart- I'm sure he is all torn up over that.

possum againMay 03, 2015 - Msg 101258:Asa, that's so sad about the puppy. Such a heart-breaker for your grandson. Puppies are just like kids - they don't have a whole lot of smart for the first couple of years. I lost an adorable little Manchester terrier mix when I was about eight - same scenario, almost, except I had been warned not to take the pup into the front yard and I "forgot", as kids will do, and took him out there anyway. He ran out to chase a car, lost his footing and fell beneath the rear wheel of the car. I was standing there and saw it happen, and I just wanted to die. Poor little Tinker! However, nothing happens for no reason at all, I guess. I know I learned that cars could kill, and I also learned that my mom and dad might just happen to know what they were talking about. How old is your grandson? If he's very young, then he has learned as I did, that cars can kill. That lesson might save his own life some day. Poor little guy, I know just how he feels. Miserable! --RomeenaMay 03, 2015 - Msg 101259:
Thanks Possum, I preciate it!....I am coming to you guys from my NEW iPad...whoo hooo!....I ❤️ my Daughter!

Maybe I'll look for a heelicopter & some tear gas next?

G-Funnin'

May 03, 2015 - Msg 101260:
Good evening, porch! Well, I'm starting to feel like a dumb old dinosaur or something. I don't have an iPad, and can barely use my smart phone! Many of my friends have iPads now, and they just whip those things out and tell you things you didn't even know you wanted to know, all in about six seconds and while sitting on a moving train, or in a restaurant. Personally, I'm still a lot more comfortable sitting at this desk, keyboard beneath my hands, big flatscreen monitor in front of me, and a Dell tower in the space beneath my printer. Actually, I think my Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone will do just about anything this computer will do, but it takes me a lot longer, with that little keyboard. I guess I'm just old and set in my ways.

G-F, what on earth do you need with a heelicopter? I've always laughed at Barney, wanting to get one. Just who did he think was going to fly that thing, anyway? Knowing Barney, he probably figured he'd just hop in, turn an ignition key, and fly away. Thank heavens he never got one. Can't you just see him, buzzing the town and dropping that thing down in the middle of the street, scaring everyone to death? No, G-F, I think maybe you'd better stick to flying your "wheeler" and while we're on the subject, I'd just as soon you weren't armed with tear gas! How about you just sit there in your wheeler, play with your iPad, and be happy.

Well, guess I'll go cook some supper. I stopped at the store on the way home from church today, and picked up some tenderized round steak, and three little ears of corn. I'm going to batter and fry that steak, make some gravy, cook that corn in the microwave and make a quick salad. Sounds like supper to me! I don't do much serious cooking just for myself, but somebody mentioned chicken fried steak during Sunday School, and it just flung a cravin' on me, so tonight I'm going to have some! Actually, there are four pieces of the steak, and I'm going to fry it all. I'll have half tonight, and tomorrow I'll make steak sandwiches out of the leftovers. I love to plan leftovers that way. Sure cuts down on cooking time and pot-washing.